Blood & Lymphatic System

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia refers to the condition in which the concentration of potassium in the blood is low. Mild hypokalemia is often without symptoms, although it may cause a small elevation of blood pressure and can occasionally provoke cardiac arrhythmias. Moderate hypokalemia may cause muscular weakness, myalgia, muscle cramps (owing to disturbed function of the skeletal muscles) and constipation (from disturbed function of smooth muscles). With more severe hypokalemia, flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia and tetany may result.

Hypovolemia

Hypovolemia is a condition in which there is a significant decrease in the volume of blood plasma in the body. This can be caused by dehydration, bleeding, severe burns and drugs such as diuretics or others used to treat hypertensive individuals. Sometimes, this occurs due to blood donation. The low volume of blood can lead to multiple organ failure, damage of the kidneys or brain and eventually, death.

Kidney Disease

The kidneys perform a very important life-sustaining role. They cleanse the blood by removing waste and excess fluids, maintain a healthful balance of various body chemicals and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they can suddenly or gradually lose their ability to perform these vital functions. Waste products and excess fluid then build up inside the body, causing a variety of symptoms, particularly swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath and a frequent urge to urinate. If left untreated, diseased kidneys may eventually stop functioning. Loss of kidney function is a very serious and potentially fatal condition. An estimated 7.69 percent of adults aged 20 or older (15.5 million adults) have physiological evidence of chronic kidney disease.

Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver become damaged beyond repair and the liver is no longer able to function. Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care. Most often liver failure occurs gradually and over many years. However, a more rare condition known as acute liver failure occurs rapidly (in as little as 48 hours) and can be difficult to detect initially.